The Chesterton boys swimming and diving team had little trouble in
dominating the North Central Invitational on Friday in Indianapolis.

The Trojans amassed 346 points to best Hamilton Southeastern (242), North
Central (151) and Fishers (127).

“The boys were pretty tough and deep,” Chesterton coach Kevin Kinel said.
“It simulates the State Meet a little bit. In the relays, our depth really
came through and overall, it was a good meet for us.

“I’m excited about having a week with no meets to get some good training
in.”

The Trojans swept the Relays with wins in the 200 Medley Relay with the
group of Aaron Whitaker, Gary Kostbade, Blake Pieroni and Jack Wallar
(1:33.90) to start the day.

CHS also won the 200 Free Relay with the quartet of Wallar, Kostbade, Wes
Slaughter and Ethan Whitaker (1:27.48) and the 400 Free relay with the group
of Pieroni, Ethan Whitaker, Patrick Curley and Aaron Whitaker (3:05.94).

“The 400 Free Relay was their best time of the year,” Kinel said. “The
holiday meets, you just never know what you are going to get. HSE was ranked
No. 2 in the pre-season, so it was nice to match up there and have success.”

“Aaron, Ethan and Blake did their thing,” Kinel said. “They weren’t pushed a
lot in their individual events.”

Wallar also won the 50 Free, while finishing runner-up in the 100 Breast.

“Jack had a season-best in the 50 Free,” Kinel said. “He got edged in the
Breaststroke, but I think it was good for him to get some competition away
from his own team finally.”

Kostbade finished second in the 50 Free as Slaughter also finished second in
the 100 Free.

“Gary Kostbade had a season-best in the 50 and lifetime best split in the
200 Free Relay,” Kinel said. “Wes Slaughter had best times all over the
place. Lifetime bests in the 200 Free, 100 Free, his split in the 200 Free
Relay and was close to it in the 400 Free Relay.”

Curley finished third in the 200 IM, while Tony Kincaid was third in the 100
Fly. Andy Hurst finished third in the 500 Free and 100 Back with Kostbade
taking a third in the 100 Breast.

“Patrick Curley had a season-best time in the IM,” Kinel said.

Kinel also pointed to swims by Josh VanNevel, Jack Kurfman and Nate
Rodriguez.

“Josh VanNevel had right on his best time in the 200 and had his best time
in the 500,” Kinel said. “Jack Kurfman was right on his best time in the 200
Free and was really good on relays. Nate Rodriguez was right on his lifetime
best times in the IM and the Backstroke.”